Benefits of green space on health

Areas with more accessible green space are associated with better mental and physical health, according to a new POSTnote by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).

The POSTnote is a research summary of the physical and mental health benefits of contact with nature. Research into the public health benefits of urban green spaces has focused on three main areas: physical activity, mental health and exposure to nature as a treatment for some conditions.

The POSTnote found that there is a link between people’s physical environment and their activity behaviour, with those living closer to a green space being more likely to use it. Those living closest to green areas have also been found to have reduced levels of mortality, obesity and obesity related illness.